Byron Perkins is tired of living his life to please others.
Byron Perkins, who last year became the first openly gay football player to play for a Historically Black College or University, is opening up once more about his coming out journey.
In an Instagram story shared, Perkins wrote that he has “come to understand that life is precious and I could be gone at any moment; therefore, I will no longer be living a lie.”
In an interview with the sports show We Need to Talk, the Hampton University defensive back is speaking out again about his decision to share his sexual identity with the world.
@weneedtotalk Byron Perkins made history when he became the first openly gay football player at an HBCU. #beyondlimits #pride #hbcu #football #collegefootball #pridemonth #sportstok ♬ original sound – We Need To Talk
“Why did I decide to come out?” he asks in the video. “Because I don’t deserve to suffer anymore.
“I don’t deserve to chain myself to the ideas of society and consider myself invaluable because someone else said so. No.
“There are so many more dimensions to who I am as a person than just this one variable,” he adds, while photos from his childhood and football career are shown. “And if this one variable doesn’t sit well with you, quite honestly, I don’t care.”
View this post on Instagram
Meet Perkins Boyfriend, JD!
Perkins also shared photos of his boyfriend, JD Dunn, on his personal account, writing, “Happy pride, love. I don’t know a lot… but I know I love you.”
Though no photos of the happy couple currently on on Perkins profile, his partner has plenty of posts to gush over – including this Pride month carousel. “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do. Happy Pride Month!”
View this post on Instagram
We love love!
More Stories:
Harvey Guillén Kicks Off Pride Season With a BF Appreciation Post
Ross Lynch’s Shirtless Greece Photos Have Fans Sweating
Lauv Comes Out on TikTok: “A Lil Bit Into Men”
